News

Washington, D.C.—A set of policy principles regarding the labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food was released by the Natural Products Association (NPA) on March 19. The core of the position is a call for the issue of GMO labeling to be addressed at the federal level, and an affirmation of the consumer’s right to know what is in their food. The move coincided with the association’s annual group lobbying effort, Natural Products Day, allowing NPA members to speak with one voice on GMOs and labeling in their meetings on Capitol Hill.

Austin, TX—Products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as ingredients will require special labeling in all Whole Foods Market stores by 2018, the company announced at Natural Products Expo West. It becomes the first national grocery chain to take such a step.

Spain—It’s time to emphasize all of the olive oil and nut products you have on your shelves. The heart health benefits of these foods, staples of the Mediterranean diet, were on display in a major study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or tree nuts was shown to reduce the risk of a major cardiovascular event, including heart attack and stroke, by 30%.

Allendale, NJ—The tell-tale red flush that accompanies the consumption of niacin supplements has made many shoppers opt for the flush-free variety. According to new data, consumers may want to think twice about this choice.

Lawrence, KS and Oslo, Norway—Maintaining a healthy body is always important, but pregnant women must be diligent in their efforts to not only take care of themselves, but also the child inside of them as well. Luckily, new prenatal nutrition research has been released that will assist expecting mother in providing their unborn child with a healthy start in life.

Washington, D.C.—It is well known that calcium and vitamin D are essential to bone health, with more than 1,000 published studies confirming this effect. So, it came as a surprise in late February when the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advised postmenopausal women against the use of calcium (1,000 mg) and vitamin D (400 IU) supplements to prevent fractures.